Best Record Player for Beginners: 10 Top Picks You Can't Ignore!

What is the best record player for beginners? Being an audiophile and record player expert, this is the question that I encounter every other day. You are at the right blog post if you have the same query. In this article, I'll review the 10 record players for beginners regarding their features and user experience. Let's have a look!

Quick Answer

After using a lot of record players during my decade of record player experience, I have found that the best beginner record player should have the following benefits:

• Easy to set up and use;
• Precise speed control and accurate tracking;
• Sturdy build quality and stable base;
• Affordable and value-for-money.

However, the problem arises when you want to buy a record player with all the above perks. Continue reading below, where I'll dissect the 10 products for beginners. Moreover, you'll also get a comprehensive buying guide at the end. Let's find the best pick for you!

Comparison Table of 10 Good Record Players for Beginners

Listed below are the essential details about the products you should know:

Product Name	Operation Type	Speed	Phone Pre-Amp	Details
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK	Direct drive (Manual)	33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM	Yes, switchable	$379.00 Check Price Review
Fluance RT81	Belt Drive	33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM	Yes, switchable	$249.99 Check Price Review
Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN	Manual Belt Drive	33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM	Built-in	$399.00 Check Price Review
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK	Belt Drive (Automatic)	33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM	Yes	$239.00 Check Price Review
Sony PS-LX310BT	Belt Drive (Automatic)	33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM	Yes (Built-in)	$298.00 Check Price Review
1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Record Player	Belt Drive (Auto-Off)	33 RPM, 45 RPM	Yes	$219.99 Check Price Review
Victrola VSC-400SB-CNV	DC motor	33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM	No	$33.49 Check Price Review
ANGELS HORN Record Player	Belt Drive (Automatic)	33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM	Yes	$189.99 Check Price Review
House of Marley Stir It Up Record Player	Belt Drive (Automatic)	33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM	Yes	$159.99 Check Price Review
ION Audio Premier LP	Belt Drive	33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM	Yes	Price not available Check Price Review

Let's discuss the detailed analysis of these record players:

1. Best Overall Record Player: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK

The pros and cons are given below:

Pros

• The platter/motor of the instrument is quite silent, mixing no noise in the record.
• The RCA ports have jacks that you can upgrade or change.
• It has a removable pilot light that you can remove if it gets annoyed.

Cons 

• The plastic build could be better.

The AT-LP120XUSB-BK grabs attention as a high-quality record player for aspiring vinyl enthusiasts. I loved its silent platter/motor that doesn't mix noise into the music and its removable pilot light that prevents annoyance. 

Manual operation is a feature that requires careful operation. However, adding the DC motor function ensures a smooth playback without any scratches on the record. 

Features 

Let's discuss the feautres of AT-LP120XUSB:

• It comes with a direct-drive DC motor that works in manual mode.
• Depending on the playback, the record player can adjust speed or pitch in the 8% – 16% range.
• There is an anti-skate control mode to control the vibrations in the playback.

Specs 

The specs are given below:

2. Best Anti-skate Control Record Player: Fluance RT81

The perks and downsides are given below:

Pros 

• Its built-in Texas preamp gives rich sound.
• The solid wood plinth and walnut finish give an aesthetically pleasing look.
• It has 2 years of manufacturer's warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.

Cons 

• If the cover stays up while playing, it will resonate and may mix with the sound.

The RT81 has the potential to become the favorite of any beginner vinyl enthusiast. Its stylish wooden design and quality Audio Technica cartridge produce a warm sound that competes with pricier models. 

For me, its Texas preamp, ground terminals, and RCA lines are the product's salient features. Not to mention that this item comes with 2 years of warranty to ensure you get the most out of it.

Features 

Listed below are the features of Fluance RT81:

• It comes with a top-notch AT95E Cartridge to deliver seamless connectivity.
• It delivers high-res audio that stands toe-to-toe with competitors. 
• There is an S-Type tonearm that precisely tracks the record. 

Specs 

These are the specs of the record player:

3. Best Record Player for Audiophiles: Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN

The following are the positives and downsides of the record player:

Pros 

• It has an excellent audio quality that audiophiles would love to listen to.
• It is a great value-for-money package with its robust build and excellent response.
• The record player handles noise quite well – eliminating the husses and vibrations.

Cons 

• The speed adjustment knob can get loose within a few days.

With its robust build and audiophile-level sound quality, the AT-LPW40WN is music to my ears. This value-packed record player handles noise exceptionally well, eliminating unwanted hushes and vibrations with its anti-resonance plinth.

The carbon fiber tonearm glides lightly over records with a scrape. The motor's sensor system maintains steady platter rotation by bringing the vinyl collection to life with accurate speed control. 

Features

You can find the features below:

• It has a carbon-fiber tonearm that is strong and light on the records.
• It comes with an anti-resonance plinth to get rid of vibrations.
• The motor of the device features a speed-sensor system for accurate platter rotation.

Specs 

Here are the specs of the AT-LPW40WN:

4. Best Record Player with a Balanced Sound: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK

The pros and cons of the record player are mentioned below:

Pros 

• Its small footprint makes it a great choice for compact places.
• The record player has a decent balance and produces excellent audio quality.
• It has a phone amp, which enhances the connection between the amplifier and the record. 

Cons 

• You can't upgrade the cartridge in this record player.

As a beginner looking to get into vinyl, I found the AT-LP60XBT-BK an ideal starter record player. Its compact size and Bluetooth connectivity provide flexibility compared to the Pro Ject Debut system.

On the other hand, the automatic operation and quality components, like the aluminum platter, make it easy for me to enjoy clear, smooth sound right out of the box. On top of that, this fuss-free record player comes with a pre-installed belt, which is a handy feature.

Features 

The features of the AT-LP60XBT-BK are given below:

• The turn table has a strong build, thanks to the Aluminium platter. 
• It has an anti-resonance feature that prevents unnecessary vibrations. 
• The product comes with a dual-moving magnet cartridge that helps in precise playback.

Specs

The specs of the record player are listed below:

5. Best Record Player with Belt Drive Motor: Sony PS-LX310BT

The perks and downsides of this record player are mentioned below:

Pros 

• It features a flat belt that successfully controls the speed variations. 
• The sound quality of the turn table is decent, with enough mids and highs. 
• It comes in a medium size that doesn't take up much space on the desk.

Cons 

• You may spot some random yet less frequent pops and hisses during the playback.

The Sony PS-LX310BT is an automatic belt-drive record player that provides a quality vinyl listening experience in a compact form factor. I loved its decent sound with solid mids and highs, plus its flat belt that controls speed variations well. On top of that, multiple connectivity features are another bonus feature of this record player.

Features 

The features of this Sony record player are listed below:

• It includes an adapter for 7-inch vinyl records. 
• The EQ of the record player supports both phone and line outputs. 
• It has a USB ripping feature that saves the vinyl collection as digital copies.

Specs 

The specs are mentioned below:

6. Best Record Player with Built-in Speakers: 1 by ONE Record player 

The positives and negatives of this product are listed below:

Pros 

• It comes with built-in speakers that produce excellent sound. 
• The addition of an Audio Technica cartridge is a great bonus that ensures an enhanced play.
• A plus point for beginners is that it is easy to set up and use.

Cons 

• The motor speed could be inconsistent and affect the playback's overall pitch.

The 1-by-ONE record player instantly grabs my attention with speakers that produce excellent audio quality. I bought it for my wife, who was equally happy with the experience. 

Talking about its build, I love the included Audio Technica cartridge that enhances playback and the easy setup. Moreover, The adjustable tracking force for stylus control and anti-vibration floating base add versatility and stability.

Features 

Let's discover the features of this record player:

• It has an aux-in functionality that amplifies the audio signals to boost audio significantly.
• It has an adjustable tracking force that gives you complete control over stylus motion.
• The base has an anti-vibration floating mode for stability. 

Specifications

Let's see what this item has to offer under its hood:

7. Best Budget Vinyl Player: Victrola VSC-400SB-CNV

Let's find out how good or bad is this product:

Pros 

• This record player brings portability, making it the best fit for long travels.
• The speakers have excellent bass and audio clarity.
• Despite being small, it gives full support to large record plates. 

Cons 

• The speakers' loudness could be improved.

The VSC-400SB-CNV is a portable suitcase record player with a retro vibe. This Bluetooth-enabled record player lets you play records wirelessly and customize them with stickers and stencils. Inside its protective hard case, it can spin 33, 45, and 78 RPM vinyl records on the go. It's a charming record player with a compatibility form factor for casual listening and portability.

Features 

Discover the features of the VSC-400SB below:

• It is a special edition with 50 unique 80s-inspired stickers.
• There are enhanced built-in stereo speakers to deliver decent sound quality.
• It comes with Vinyl Stream technology to improve your wireless connectivity. 

Specs 

These are the specs of the product:

8. Best Record Player with Quiet Playback: ANGELS HORN Record Player 

The following are the pros and cons of the product:

Pros

• It delivers a perfect pitch at both speeds. 
• The preamp really amplifies the voice rather than coloring it. 
• The tonearm and cartridge go well and result in excellent sound quality. 

Cons

• The 33-½ speed option feels 2% faster, which can be fixed by turning the adjustment screws.

With its sleek, modern design and walnut finish, the H002BT-OR record player stylishly complements any decor. This durable, belt-driven record player offers smooth vinyl playback and built-in Bluetooth for wireless streaming. On top of that, equipped with a phono stage preamp, it can connect directly to powered speakers. The digital display shows time, speed, and volume settings.

Features 

These are the features of the ANGELS HORN:

• It has a special automatic turn-off feature that works when no one is around. 
• It supports all types of records, ranging from 7 to 12 inches. 
• It has a 50 dB signal-to-noise ratio that separates noise and voice. 

Specs 

Let's have a look at the specifications of the product:

9. Best Record Player with Reggae-inspired Design: House of Marley Stir It Up

The following are the pros and cons of the vinyl player:

Pros

• It has a replaceable cartridge for people who want to upgrade their record player.
• It doesn't skip the tracks despite not using the anti-skate feature.
• The sound quality feels pleasing, thanks to its good bass and treble.

Cons

• You may hear a slight motor noise, which will disappear with a single oil drop.

Crafted from sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled plastic, the eco-conscious Stir It Up record player appeals to vinyl enthusiasts who value green design. Its built-in phono preamp provides seamless connectivity, while the replaceable cartridge allows for customization. Users praise the pleasing sound quality, especially given the price point. 

Features 

Let's see what Marley has got under its hood:

• It features a quote from famous singer Bob Marley for music lovers.
• The build is enhanced with the metal tonearm and aluminum platter.
• It can be connected to the PC via a USB cable for recording.

Specs

Find the specs of the item below:

10. Best Record Player with Wireless Connectivity: ION Audio Premier LP

These are the positives and negatives of the record player:

Pros

• Its luxurious black finish compliments the decor of any room.
• The tonearm automatically returns to the armrest and turns off the record player.
• The speakers ensure a smooth and pleasant sound.

Cons

• The speakers have a little bass in them.

The ION Audio Premier LP record player aims to provide an all-in-one vinyl listening solution with built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB conversion capabilities. Its luxurious black finish and automatic return feature add visual appeal and convenience. 

For me, the best part of this record player is that the voice is relatively calm and pleasant to the ears, like a smooth melody. 

Features

The following are the features of the Premier LP:

• This record player is compatible with PCs and Macs thanks to its ION Audio EZ conversion tool.
• The wireless connectivity can cover a range of up to 100 meters.
• All the 3-speed options work in sync due to its adjustable stylus.

Specs

Let's discover the specs below:

Best Vinyl Players for Beginners Buying Guide

When picking a record player for your needs, most people seem confused. They struggle to find the best piece as per their needs.

Therefore, I have prepared a buying guide to let you make a fair decision while purchasing a product. Moreover, there is also a guide on how to connect your turntable with speakers. Let's discover more!

Picking Your First Record Player: 5 Factors to Look For

Choosing your first record player can be daunting for someone just getting into vinyl. With so many models boasting different features, how do you decide? As an avid vinyl collector, I've learned there are 5 key factors to consider when selecting a beginner-friendly record player :

• Build Quality: First and foremost, examine the build quality. Sturdy materials like metal and high-grade plastic will hold up better over time than cheap plastic. On top of that, belt-drive record players often provide smoother playback than direct-drive models. Similarly, an adjustable counterweight helps reduce vibration and skipping. 
• Cartridge: Next, look at cartridge quality. I highly weigh this thing while making a buying decision. The reason is that the cartridge and needle play a significant role in sound reproduction. A diamond or sapphire tip will be gentler on your records than ceramic. 
• Connectivity: Connectivity is also essential. Built-in preamps let you plug directly into speakers without other equipment. And Bluetooth and USB allow you to digitize your vinyl. 

• Extra Features: Consider special features like auto stop, which is excellent for beginners, and adjustable pitch control for fine-tuning playback speed. I often forget to turn off my recorder after turning it on. The auto-stop feature comes in handy in this regard.
• Aesthetics: Finally, don't underestimate aesthetics. Since these record players represent nostalgic history, find a unit to enhance your vinyl experience.

Connecting Your Turntable and Speakers

As a new vinyl enthusiast, properly getting your record player hooked up is vital to enjoying the analog sound experience. Here is a guide that can help you in contracting both wired and wireless speakers:

1. Connecting a Wired Speaker with a Turntable

For a wired connection, just follow these simple steps:

• Step 1: Ensure your turntable has a built-in phono or external preamp, and connect it to the device with the ground wire;
• Step 2: Use RCA cables to connect the preamp outputs to the inputs on your powered speakers. You can use a 1/8″ stereo mini-plug if you don't have RCA cables;

• Step 3: Set the speaker inputs to "Phono" to provide proper equalization for vinyl;

• Step 4: Select the adequate playback speed (33 or 45 rpm) and start spinning records.

2. Connecting a Wireless Speaker with a Turntable 

Connecting a wireless speaker with a turntable is like a breeze. Since these speakers use Bluetooth connectivity, your turntable should also have Bluetooth. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Verify that your Bluetooth record player  and wireless speakers have Bluetooth connectivity enabled;
• Step 2: Move the output button towards Bluetooth mode or phone + Bluetooth mode;
• Step 3: The turntable will automatically scan and connect with the nearby wireless speaker.

FAQs

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Conclusion

Let's sum up the article. The best record players for beginners are those devices that provide ease of use, affordability, and decent voice quality.

While buying one such unit, remember things like build quality, cartridge, connectivity, and other features like auto stop. Lastly, don't forget your budget because it can greatly impact your buying decision.

Among all the other record players for beginners, my favorite is Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK. This device checks all the with its excellent sound quality, a decent DC motor, and multiple speed modes.